Chess opening · ECO C22
Center Game: Normal Variation
The Center Game: Normal Variation starts 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. Qxd4 Nc6. It ranks #90 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... e5Black pushes the e-pawn two squares to e5, staking a claim in the center.
- 2. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
- 2... exd4Black takes the pawn on d4 with the e-pawn.
- 3. Qxd4White recaptures on d4 with the queen.
- 3... Nc6Black develops the queenside knight to c6. It now attacks the queen on d4.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Qe3 is the most popular next move among players rated under 1200 and 2000 and up, though the favorite changes in between.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | Qe3 35% | Qd1 22% | Qc4 12% |
| 1200–1399 | Qe3 35% | Qd1 34% | Qc4 8% |
| 1400–1599 | Qd1 37% | Qe3 32% | Qa4 14% |
| 1600–1799 | Qe3 54% | Qd1 24% | Qa4 12% |
| 1800–1999 | Qe3 86% | Qd1 9% | Qa4 5% |
| 2000 and up | Qe3 100% | – | – |
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